functional commuter wear

[EightySixer]

If you're looking for some commuter gear in disguise, good ol' Levi's Commuter jeans are decent and can be had pretty cheap. I have a seven mile one way commute so padding is no necessity. The reinforced rear end is nice. Good and durable, does what they're supposed to do.

[catella]

Check these out... Lycra performance turned into everyday wear.

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Catella

[j44ke]

Any thoughts on the Swerve shorts versus Rapha?

I have found Swrve to vary on sizing sometimes - waist in particular. Rapha can alter their cut, but their sizing seems very consistent. The finish of the Rapha clothes hits a higher note than Swrve. Think Swrve might be clothes you would wear to work and wear at work, while Rapha might be clothes you would wear to a work place with a dress code that wouldn't allow you to wear them at work.

If that makes any sense.

I just got an email from Outlier that says their shorts (in two lengths - short and long) are in for the start of the season. These are really nice shorts. I have only tried them on, but I was smitten. They are $120, but I will probably get two pairs and wear them all summer.

[snotrockets]

good ol' Levi's Commuter jeans are decent and can be had pretty cheap. […] The reinforced rear end is nice. Good and durable, does what they're supposed to do.

I had two pairs, each lasted about half a year before getting torn. And I've yet to see one sold for less than $50, which is more than I'm willing to pay for a jeans with a 6-months expiry date.

[Gattonero]

I have found Swrve to vary on sizing sometimes - waist in particular. Rapha can alter their cut, but their sizing seems very consistent. The finish of the Rapha clothes hits a higher note than Swrve. Think Swrve might be clothes you would wear to work and wear at work, while Rapha might be clothes you would wear to a work place with a dress code that wouldn't allow you to wear them at work.

If that makes any sense.

I just got an email from Outlier that says their shorts (in two lengths - short and long) are in for the start of the season. These are really nice shorts. I have only tried them on, but I was smitten. They are $120, but I will probably get two pairs and wear them all summer.

Swrve doesn't make things very clear between the "trim fit" and "regular fit" (IIRC that's how they call it).
I can confirm that depending on the shorts, I can fit in a 31 or 33. I use the lightweight "regular fit" in size 31 and they're perfect; then I have the DWR "midweight" still in regular fit and the 31 is too tight while the 33 is a tad large but allows me to use 3/4 knickers for when is really cold.
What I've found is that the lightweight ones have a wider Lh rear pocket, big enough to fit a small lock (bloody hipsters!) while the DWR "midweight" have a much narrower pocket. Strange, for the same garment.

By the way, one thing that makes Swrve trousers/shorts really nice for commuting (or touring) is that they dry very quick. The fabric is also very durable and does not wear too much the saddles (something where normal Denim is terrible for!). And the phone pocket over the Rh rear pocket is very handy!
Rapha doesn't do anymore the 3/4 shorts, which is what I use exclusively, Swrve does in several variations. When men where Men they used "plus fours"!

[catella]

Swrve doesn't make things very clear between the "trim fit" and "regular fit" (IIRC that's how they call it).
I can confirm that depending on the shorts, I can fit in a 31 or 33. I use the lightweight "regular fit" in size 31 and they're perfect; then I have the DWR "midweight" still in regular fit and the 31 is too tight while the 33 is a tad large but allows me to use 3/4 knickers for when is really cold...:

From a manufacturing point of view.

Depending on the fabric type and/or water resistant coatings, the garments sizing will have to change in the paper pattern to make up for less stretch. Not taking into account the style of cut obviously.

Woven fabrics tend to have better abrasion resistance but traditionally less stretch. Its been a problem that has lasted for many years in the garment industry and only recently has gotten better with new fabric manufacturing tech.

After taking into account fabric qualities you have manufacturing issues. When manufacturing garments, the fabrics are stacked and then cut 200 layers at a time with a rotary saw. what happens is that the very last layers slow down the blade of the saw and pull the fabrics just a bit. then fabrics move into sewing room where the problem builds on itself because you are now out of true...

Lots has changed since the early days. Nylon fabrics now offer wicking, breathability and water resistance all in one. These really are space age materials, no other way to describe it. As in our case, there has been years of development and manufacturing controls to create trousers with all these qualities integrated into them. The first design is in the fabric itself. The comfort and performance is truly the masterpiece garment at the end.

[maunahaole]

+1 on the hybrid boardshorts. I have a pair of quicksilver ones that are my go to. Our Costco has some in Da Hui brand that I use for daily wear that would also be fine. I prefer the Da Hui ones as they have a drawstring waist as well as the button and fly, so I can make them stay put without a belt. I don't have to deal with big variations in temp here, so it's a wicking shirt of some sort, hybrid board shorts over regular bike shorts. Aloha shirt, pants, socks, and underwear in the backpack with my lunch. I keep shoes and a suit at my desk.

[EightySixer]

I got a new job, business attire. Slacks/tie/sportcoat.

No shower or anything here at work. How do those of you in a similar situation commute to work?

[mmoore]

get a small rack with a bag and change in the washroom. you don't have to wear a full kit to need to change. some nice stretch jeans or any of the suggestions here for pants and something like a rapha core or plain colored jersey to wear to the office with the change to the business clothes upon arrival. I believe there are some good jerseys out there that even use a collar to make it a bit more formal if your worried about looking too fred coming in before you change with a plain jersey.

Do you have an opportunity for a locker or storage of any kind? jackets are best left at the office with the car commute once and a while to refresh the supply.

[defspace]

I got a new job, business attire. Slacks/tie/sportcoat.

No shower or anything here at work. How do those of you in a similar situation commute to work?

Sounds like we're in a similar boat. I've just been commuting in regular cycling kit. Eff it, they're gonna think I'm the cycling weirdo no matter what.

I would like to have someone else weigh in on the handicapped stall shower. I've got a little spray bottle of witch hazel/alcohol, some wash cloths, and antiperspirant/deodorant. So far so good, but we haven't hit summer temps yet. Anyone else have any suggestions?

[mmoore]

How long is your commute? I haven't had an issue with odor yet even through summer temps. my normal rides are ~20min-40 mins into the office but the longer mornings when it warms up a little I get into my better fitness levels after the winter sedentary period and go up to 2h pre-work rides. when wearing kit for the longer rides there is no smell. Putting it back on for the ride home though... can be like putting on a damp life jacket.

I don't know where I was told this so I am likely wrong and im definitely not a doctor.... but I was told your scent is related to your water intake and diet. if your having issues with bad smells, you should probably consult your doctor or a sports specialist to make sure your getting proper nutrition for your activities.

(pssst....get a locker at work if you can. hanging up your kit through the day lets it dry vs sit in your bag under your desk type of thing. well worth it, even if there is a considerable walk to the locker area in your building, should that exist)

[Bobonli]

I got a new job, business attire. Slacks/tie/sportcoat.

No shower or anything here at work. How do those of you in a similar situation commute to work?

Before I had access to a shower at work, large size no rinse bathing wipes were my friend for cleaning up. One for the private areas and one for the rest of the body. I kept a small bath towel at work to wipe off any excess. Toothpaste, deo etc in a small pouch in my desk. Took maybe 4 minutes to tidy up and change. I keep a set in my car, too, for cleaning up after a long ride in the woods.

If you can, keep your work clothes in the office. I would drive in with my work clothes for the week on Monday and bring them home Friday or on the weekend. Wearing a suit is more complicated. I drive on days I have to be in a suit just because I don't want to leave suits hanging in the office (public coat hooks, no one has an office door).

[Gattonero]

I got a new job, business attire. Slacks/tie/sportcoat.

No shower or anything here at work. How do those of you in a similar situation commute to work?

Aside from the tips already given (which happen to be what people does in bike touring/bikepacking), I can only tell you that in UK the employers must provide a bathroom with a basin and tap water and soap.

[Too Tall]

I pulled that trick for 20+ years commuting 50 miles round trip 4 days a week. Eeeeezy peezey. I used a local dry cleaner to launder my cloths and carried my underwear/socks etc. back and forth each day...keeping shoes, ties, jackets at work. After I changed from cycling kit, use a spray bottle with witch hazel for the gnarly bits and a pack towel to dry off. Done. Never ever felt sticky on the job. Witch hazel is the business.
Oh, remember to shower in the morning before you commute ;)

I got a new job, business attire. Slacks/tie/sportcoat.

No shower or anything here at work. How do those of you in a similar situation commute to work?

[EightySixer]

I think I will try to talk the partners in the firm to let me hang clothes in "their" private bathroom. We have a public restroom that is spacious and pretty damn private, so I don't mind changing and such there. Having an area to hang work attire and more importantly my kit will be clutch. Great tips here, thank you.

Looking like a cyclist nerd walking into work will have it's up side too, I'll then get to be the Clark Kent fit and dapper gentleman who makes the ladies do a double take once I come out of my phone booth.

[Bobonli]

Having an area to hang work attire and more importantly my kit will be clutch.

Try, if you can, to hang the cycle gear somewhere out of public sight. People will see it hanging around and assume is smells funky and you'll get a bad rap. I turn my shorts inside out to let the chamois air out. Hanging in plain sight makes it look like some sort of adult diaper!

[Too Tall]

What he said. That was the only ever point of contention.
Would it be possible to get the firm to pop for a locker at the nearest Gym/Club?

Try, if you can, to hang the cycle gear somewhere out of public sight. People will see it hanging around and assume is smells funky and you'll get a bad rap. I turn my shorts inside out to let the chamois air out. Hanging in plain sight makes it look like some sort of adult diaper!

[caleb]

Have any of you worn or handled the newish Rapha Commuter Jacket? Commuter Jacket | Rapha Commuter City Collection | On Bike Riding Home High Visibility Jacket | Rapha

I'm thinking about trying it as a winter hardshell with a layer underneath for a three mile commute. Alternative is to go up the street to see what sort of soft-shell the Patagonia shop has on the rack.

[vertical_doug]

Have any of you worn or handled the newish Rapha Commuter Jacket? Commuter Jacket | Rapha Commuter City Collection | On Bike Riding Home High Visibility Jacket | Rapha

I'm thinking about trying it as a winter hardshell with a layer underneath for a three mile commute. Alternative is to go up the street to see what sort of soft-shell the Patagonia shop has on the rack.

If you are thinking a winter hardshell, I'd probably go look at the patagonia soft shells. If you ride a lot in the rain, then maybe get this.

and invest in a fender.

[xjoex]

If I were to buy bike specific rain gear I'd look at what Showers Pass is making these days. But I have to admit I would just buy a Patagonia/ArcTeryx/OR coat as it would cost less and be made 10x nicer than any bike specific rain gear.

-Joe